The Best of Times the Worst of Times!

Hello from Powerpoint Central!

Well gang, I have made three interesting powerpoint presentations this last week (or so), and had two experiences with the program worth mentioning.

 The first were the presentations I made for my Bible as Lit class. One, I made slides of Exodus, focusing on the plagues, the Tabernacle and the maps of Moses' journey. I found some really cool images from "google images" and was able to plug them in. I still do not know how to make animation or download film clips. I do know how to add music and voice over though.

The second one was also on Exodus, but it focused more some of the big high lights of the story. I was recapping the story this time with deliberate contrasting images. I was also teaching (or guiding) the students through the idea of how they may wish to develop their own Exodus investigation. I have two students who are making a movie, one student who is writing a song, and several students who are creating works of art. I did spend some time on showing folk art and "non traditional images" of the Exodus story. I hope that my Powerpoint helped encourage the students in their investigations.

The last presentation i did was for a "fostering wellness" class. Our group project was on Cyrstal Meth. It was a real drag! The stories and images were just heart breaking! Alos, the classroom was NOT a 21st century class! We had such a slow dial up that a student had to connect the computer to her phone. On top of that, the teacher had some video she wanted to see, but she dropped the tape, and it broke! DVDs now! Well, I know it was her tape, and we all feel sorry because it was one that may not even be on DVD now. A drag for her, a loss for us as well. 

CPR for CPR!

Our Tech in the classroom Prof. has us working with a writing assessment "program" or is it a Demon Seed masquerading as a tool to asses student writing? The jury is still out with me. Seems this program, named Calibrated Peer Review (should tell you something about the pompous folks who put this CRAP together) is set up to help students become better at peer review. Well, the whole premise is silly. Students learn to become better at peer review by building real editing and proof reading skills. The peer review rubrics should be attached to the drafts, and then the teacher holds the reviewer accountable as well. When computer programs begin to "teach" peer review, and the social obligation of student's work, then it is time to send your kid to an on-line learning school, and let the robots be teachers.

Their are many great computer programs helping students learn, and my rant on this CPR program is out of frustration and ignorance. My own progress in "getting to know" the world of CPR (as a first aid instructor, it kills me to write those three letters in any other context than that of which it should be reserved!). But the flaws and poor communication skills of the program(ers), is enough to dive my very normal blood pressure though the roof!

We must not be so starry-eyed at an "educational" computer program. Some are crap. I wish CRP could let me "in" a bit further. This way I can make a true assessment.

Danger! Learning Curve Ahead!

Well, you learn a new thing every day. Mama told me there'd be days like this, strange days indeed. I am learning how to add links to my Google account. There also are ways to add kinks to our blog. I am trying that one next! In the meanwhile, time to imagine being in the mountains and eating snacks!

Dreaming of Digital Film Making Pedagogy

We are starting our new semester Berkeley High. (I almost wrote Alter High-as in Robert Alter mmm....) I am really happy. For the final last semester a group of students made a short film on The Book of Revelations; it was amazing! Filled with some tie-dyed tripped-out visions. Man, I was inside of John's head!  These are my kind of students, and the reason why I am a teacher.

Have a Great Weekend!

Hello folks, I am really looking forward to this blog becoming an active diary filled with the ups and downs of how I can use technology in my classroom. I am going to involve my students in this quest. I think they may end up being my tutors and collaborators. I am bringing the video camera to school, and maybe will document their ideas and voices.  

Hello Digital Stargate!

I have just started a class at U.C Berkeley called Tech Education. I am a bit overwhelmed, and am also thrilled. I hope to share my "journey" with you. Stay tooned folks!